Bill Clinton Defends ‘Non-Partisan’ Foundation From Scandal: ‘It’s Political Season In America’

INDIANOLA, IA - SEPTEMBER 14: Former President Bill Clinton and his wife former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton attend the 37th Harkin Steak Fry, September 14, 2014 in Indianola, Iowa. This is the last year for the high-profile political event as Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) plans to retire. (Photo by Steve Pope/Getty Images)(credit: Steve Pope/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bill Clinton is defending the work of his global foundation. He says in a letter to supporters that it remains a “non-partisan” philanthropy and he’s determined to continue its mission.

The former president says in the letter that “it’s the political season in America” and the impact of the organization has “largely been ignored” recently.

The Clinton Foundation has faced scrutiny for its fundraising practices and acceptance of donations from foreign governments as Hillary Rodham Clinton seeks the Democratic nomination for president.

The foundation will be led beginning next week by Donna Shalala, who served in Clinton’s cabinet and recently departed as president of the University of Miami.